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Community Foundation’s Quality of Place Grants Leverage $2.3 Million to Transform Public Spaces
NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) has released its Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress Impact Report, revealing how strategic grantmaking – in collaboration with numerous partners – has helped transform parks, greenways, and gathering spaces across Clark and Floyd counties.
Since launching in 2021, the program has invested $700,000 into six projects serving both rural and urban communities – leveraging an additional $2.3 million in public and private funding. Working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and community leaders, these investments have contributed to revitalizing public areas, removing barriers to access, and sparking long-term community and economic growth.
Transforming Communities Project by Project:
- Borden Community Park, Borden – $150,000 investment; 10,000 users annually
A new ADA-compliant playground has made Community Park a welcoming space for children of all abilities – including 189 special needs students from nearby schools. - Greenway Park Glow-Up, Charlestown – $150,000 investment; 8,000 users annually
Inclusive play equipment, solar lighting, and safety upgrades inspired the creation of a Disability Advisory Council and spurred nearby business investment. - Jeffersonville Library Pocket Park, Jeffersonville – $80,000 investment; 5,000 users annually
A once-overlooked space now features a train-themed pocket park, tripling child library card sign-ups, and becoming a hub for play and learning. - Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park Playground, New Albany – $70,000 investment; 10,000 users annually
As part of a large-scale community initiative, CFSI’s grant supported the development of a state-of-the-art inclusive playground that is now a national model for accessibility, inspiring similar upgrades at schools and parks across the region. - Croghan Launch at Origin Park, Clarksville – $100,000 investment; first public amenity at a $250 million park
CFSI’s contribution, combined with substantial support from multiple partners, helped create the Croghan Launch – the first public amenity at Origin Park – opening Silver Creek for paddling, fishing, and tourism, and laying the foundation for a major regional park transformation. - SR 64 Sidewalk Project, Georgetown – $150,000 investment; in progress
When completed, this project will connect neighborhoods, businesses, parks, and sports facilities with safe pedestrian walkways, improving livability and safety for residents.
Beyond the physical upgrades, the Quality of Place: Pathways to Progress investments have sparked a wave of benefits that continue to shape community life.
Thousands of residents are enjoying increased opportunities for physical activity, while inclusive and intergenerational gathering spaces are strengthening connections between neighbors. Local economies are seeing a boost as tourism grows, and new business investments follow revitalized public spaces. The projects have advanced accessibility with ADA-compliant features, supported lifelong learning through educational spaces, and inspired new city policies along with additional placemaking investments – laying the groundwork for even more vibrant, connected communities in the years ahead.
“When we think about what makes our communities thrive, it’s the places that bring people together – parks, trails, gathering spaces, and vibrant downtowns,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “These projects strengthen connections and create opportunities for people to enjoy where they live. Our role is to support those efforts, helping communities develop spaces that invite connection, activity, and pride for all who call this region home.”
While the Quality of Place program continues to evolve, CFSI is celebrating the momentum it has built and the lives it has touched. More updates on the next phase of the program will be shared soon.